Method and systems for generating and sending a hot link associated with a user interface to a device

ABSTRACT

The invention sends a hot link to a device. The device may be on a wireless network, a wired network, or directly coupled to the device sending the hot link. The hot link contains an associated action that is performed by the device receiving the hot link. The associated action may be performed when a user interface is activated or automatically when the hot link is received by the device. The action can be a broadcast action, Internet action, call action, download action, or upload action. The broadcast action instructs the device to tune to a particular broadcast in response to the selection of the user interface. The internet action instructs the device to access an Internet site in response to the selection of the user interface. The call action instructs the device to call a telephone number in response to the selection of use interface.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/290,592, filed May 11, 2001, the benefit of the earlier filing dateof which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mobile telecommunication devices, andmore specifically to sending a hot link that is associated with a userinterface to a device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since their introduction, the number of services and features forcellular telephones has steadily increased while the cost of ownershipand operation has decreased. At first, these mobile telecommunicationdevices operated on analog wireless networks that enabled voicecommunication and simple paging features. Later, digital wirelessnetworks were introduced for cellular telephones to provide moreadvanced features for voice and data communication, such as encryption,caller identification and sending and receiving short message service(SMS) text messages. More recently, some cellular telephones enable thebrowsing of web pages on the Internet or other on-line services.

The functionality of cellular telephones continues to increase. Somecellular telephones incorporate many of the features originally providedfor in handheld electronic devices, such as personal digital assistants(PDAs). Relatively simple PDA features such as keeping a list ofcontacts, a calendar, appointments, and the like have been generallyintegrated into recent cellular telephone models.

The lower cost of ownership, along with the increased services andfeatures available, has made it common for individuals to own a cellulartelephone and use it for daily communications. Individuals are no longerrestricting the use of their cellular telephone to strictly business oremergency calls. They are talking with their friends about what they arecurrently listening to on the radio, watching on television, viewing onthe World Wide Web, and the like. The user may want their friends tolisten to the same radio or television broadcast they are experiencing,or view the same website they think is interesting. However, cellulartelephones do not provide this ability. Instead, a cellular telephoneuser has to manually change the settings or configuration of theirphone, or some other device, in order to participate with their friendsin the desired activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to providing a method and system for generatingand sending a hot link to a device. The hot link contains an action thatinstructs the receiving device to perform some activity when anassociated user interface is selected.

According to one aspect of the invention, a mobile device is configuredto generate and send a hot link to another device. The hot link maydirect the device receiving the hot link to perform some action. Forexample, the action contained within the hot link may instruct thereceiving device to tune a receiver to a particular broadcast, dial anumber, respond to message, and the like.

According to another aspect of the invention, the hot link is associatedwith a user interface. When the user interface is selected the hot linkaction is performed. The user interface may be a physical button or avirtual button, icon, symbol, or some other user interface associatedwith the device receiving the hot link. The user interface may be apredetermined button on the device. For example, the * key on a devicemay be the predetermined button.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a message thatincludes the hot link is generated and sent to the device. The messagemay be generated by the mobile device or may be generated by an externalcomputer, such as a server. The message is sent using an appropriatemessage protocol for the receiving device. For example, the message maybe sent to a mobile device using the SMS protocol.

According to still yet another aspect of the invention, the messageincludes an identification field that corresponds to the messagedelivered to the user of the device when the message is received. Forexample, the identification field could simply be a text statement suchas: “Do you want to view HBO now?”

According to another aspect of the invention, the message contains afield that identifies the type of hot link contained within the message.Character codes are used to indicate the type of hot link. For example,the character code “!RS****” may be used to indicate that the type ofaction is a broadcast action that instructs the device to change a tunerto a radio station using the characters supplied in the wildcard pattern*****.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the hot link may begenerated automatically based on the current configuration of the mobiledevice or selected manually. For example, when the user is listening toa radio station, a hot link is generated instructing a device to changeto the radio station currently on the user's device. The user may alsoselect the hot link from a list of available hot links.

According to still yet another aspect of the invention, the selection ofdevices that are to receive the hot link may be manually orautomatically generated. The user may select each device manually, orthe selection may be based on a user's preferences, such as thepreferences found in a PAL list.

These and various other features as well as advantages, whichcharacterize the present invention, will be apparent from a reading ofthe following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary system overview;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemoverview in which local area networks and a wide area network areinterconnected by routers;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary server;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary mobiledevice;

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a mobile device forgenerating, sending and receiving hot links;

FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of a hot link transfer systemutilizing a server and mobile devices;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary display for selecting the actionassociated with the hot link;

FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram for a hot link system;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary hot link message format;

FIG. 10 illustrates a process for generating and sending a hot link to adevice;

FIG. 11 illustrates a set of exemplary actions that may be includedwithin a hot link;

FIG. 12 illustrates a process for identifying devices to send the hotlink message; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a process for generating a hot link message for adevice, in accordance with aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention, reference is made to the accompanied drawings, which form apart hereof, and which is shown by way of illustration, specificexemplary embodiments of which the invention may be practiced. Eachembodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined onlyby the appended claims.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The term “a broadcast spectrum” means any portion orportions of the range of frequencies, channels, or Internet addressesemployed for broadcasting that are selected for tuning in conjunctionwith the practice of the invention disclosed herein. The term“broadcast” includes but is not limited to commercial radio andtelevision stations, Internet radio and the like. The term “userpreference” can include a plurality of elements. For example, a userpreference for disco music circa 1980 has at least two elements, i.e.,the type of music and the era. The term “user interface” can include anytype of element that is selectable on a device, including, but notlimited to, push-button, rocker switch, slider, dial, key, mouse,pointer, touch-sensitive pad, touch sensitive screen, and soft key.

Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughoutthe views. Additionally, a reference to the singular includes areference to the plural unless otherwise stated or is inconsistent withthe disclosure herein.

Briefly described, the present invention is directed to generating andsending a hot link to a telecommunications device. The hot link isassociated with an action that can be performed by the receiving device.The hot link may be associated with a user interface that when selectedactivates the hot link. Alternatively, the action may automatically beperformed when the hot link and the associated action are received. Forexample, a hot link may be associated with an action to call anotheruser upon activation of a user interface, or when the hot link isreceived by the device, automatically performing the associated action.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system in which the inventionoperates includes wireless mobile devices 105-108, wireless network 110,gateway 115, wide area network (WAN)/local area network (LAN) 200 andone or more world wide web (WWW) servers 300.

Wireless devices 105-108 are coupled to wireless network 110 and aredescribed in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.Generally, mobile devices 105-108 include any device capable ofconnecting to a wireless network such as wireless network 110. Suchdevices include cellular telephones, smart phones, pagers, radiofrequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, citizen band radios(CBs), integrated devices combining one or more of the precedingdevices, and the like. Mobile devices 105-108 may also include otherdevices that have a wireless interface such as PDAs, handheld computers,personal computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, wearable computers, andthe like.

Wireless network 110 transports information to and from devices capableof wireless communication, such as mobile devices 105-108. Wirelessnetwork 110 may include both wireless and wired components. For example,wireless network 110 may include a cellular tower that is linked to awired telephone network. Typically, the cellular tower carriescommunication to and from cell phones, pagers, and other wirelessdevices, and the wired telephone network carries communication toregular phones, long-distance communication links, and the like.

Wireless network 110 is coupled to WAN/LAN through gateway 115. Gateway115 routes information between wireless network 110 and WAN/LAN 200. Forexample, a user using a wireless device may browse the Internet bycalling a certain number or tuning to a particular frequency. Uponreceipt of the number, wireless network 110 is configured to passinformation between the wireless device and gateway 115. Gateway 115 maytranslate requests for web pages from wireless devices to hypertexttransfer protocol (HTTP) messages, which may then be sent to WAN/LAN200. Gateway 115 may then translate responses to such messages into aform compatible with the requesting device. Gateway 115 may alsotransform other messages sent from wireless devices 105-108 intoinformation suitable for WAN/LAN 200, such as e-mail, audio, voicecommunication, contact databases, calendars, appointments, and the like.

Typically, WAN/LAN 200 transmits information between computing devicesas described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. One example of aWAN is the Internet, which connects millions of computers over a host ofgateways, routers, switches, hubs, and the like. An example of a LAN isa network used to connect computers in a single office. A WAN mayconnect multiple LANs.

WWW servers 300 are coupled to WAN/LAN 200 through communicationmediums. WWW servers 300 provide access to information and services asdescribed in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary system in which the invention operates inwhich a number of local area networks (“LANs”) 220 _(a-d) and wide areanetwork (“WAN”) 230 interconnected by routers 210. Routers 210 areintermediary devices on a communications network that expedite messagedelivery. On a single network linking many computers through a mesh ofpossible connections, a router receives transmitted messages andforwards them to their correct destinations over available routes. On aninterconnected set of LANs—including those based on differingarchitectures and protocols—, a router acts as a link between LANs,enabling messages to be sent from one to another. Communication linkswithin LANs typically include twisted wire pair, fiber optics, orcoaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilizeanalog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digital linesincluding T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links, or othercommunications links known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore,computers, such as remote computer 240, and other related electronicdevices can be remotely connected to either LANs 220 _(a-d) or WAN 230via a modem and temporary telephone link. The number of WANs, LANs, androuters in FIG. 2 may be increased or decreased without departing fromthe spirit or scope of this invention. As such, it will be appreciatedthat the Internet itself may be formed from a vast number of suchinterconnected networks, computers, and routers and that an embodimentof the invention could be practiced over the Internet without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

The media used to transmit information in communication links asdescribed above illustrates one type of computer-readable media, namelycommunication media. Generally, computer-readable media includes anymedia that can be accessed by a computing device. Computer-readablemedia may include computer storage media, communication media, or anycombination thereof.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,communication media includes wired media such as twisted pair, coaxialcable, fiber optics, wave guides, and other wired media and wirelessmedia such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

The Internet has recently seen explosive growth by virtue of its abilityto link computers located throughout the world. As the Internet hasgrown, so has the WWW. Generally, the WWW is the total set ofinterlinked hypertext documents residing on HTTP servers around theworld. Documents on the WWW, called pages or Web pages, are typicallywritten in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) or some other markuplanguage, identified by URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) that specifythe particular machine and pathname by which a file can be accessed, andtransmitted from server to end user using HTTP. Codes, called tags,embedded in an HTML document associate particular words and images inthe document with URLs so that a user can access another file, which mayliterally be halfway around the world, at the press of a key or theclick of a mouse. These files may contain text (in a variety of fontsand styles), graphics images, movie files, media clips, and sounds aswell as Java applets, ActiveX controls, or other embedded softwareprograms that execute when the user activates them. A user visiting aWeb page also may be able to download files from an FTP site and sendmessages to other users via email by using links on the Web page.

A WWW server, as described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 3, isa computer connected to a network having storage facilities for storinghypertext documents for a WWW site and running administrative softwarefor handling requests for the stored hypertext documents. A hypertextdocument normally includes a number of hyperlinks, i.e., highlightedportions of text which link the document to another hypertext documentpossibly stored at a WWW site elsewhere on the Internet. Each hyperlinkis associated with a URL that provides the location of the linkeddocument on a server connected to the Internet and describes thedocument. Thus, whenever a hypertext document is retrieved from any WWWserver, the document is considered to be retrieved from the WWW. As isknown to those skilled in the art, a WWW server may also includefacilities for storing and transmitting application programs, such asapplication programs written in the JAVA programming language from SunMicrosystems, for execution on a remote computer. Likewise, a WWW servermay also include facilities for executing scripts and other applicationprograms on the WWW server itself.

A user may retrieve hypertext documents from the WWW via a WWW browserapplication program located on a wired or wireless device. A WWWbrowser, such as Netscape's NAVIGATOR® or Microsoft's INTERNETEXPLORER®, is a software application program for providing a graphicaluser interface to the WWW. Upon request from the user via the WWWbrowser, the WWW browser accesses and retrieves the desired hypertextdocument from the appropriate WWW server using the URL for the documentand HTTP. HTTP is a higher-level protocol than TCP/IP and is designedspecifically for the requirements of the WWW. HTTP is used to carryrequests from a browser to a Web server and to transport pages from Webservers back to the requesting browser or client. The WWW browser mayalso retrieve application programs from the WWW server, such as JAVAapplets, for execution on a client computer.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary WWW server 300 that is operative to provide aWWW site. Accordingly, WWW server 300 transmits WWW pages to the WWWbrowser application program executing on requesting devices to carry outthis process. For instance, WWW server 300 may transmit pages and formsfor receiving information about a user, such as user preferences,address, telephone number, billing information, credit card numbers, andthe like. Moreover, WWW server 300 may transmit WWW pages to arequesting device that allow a user to participate in a WWW site. WWWserver 300 may also generate and send hot links to devices on a network.The transactions may take place over the Internet, WAN/LAN 200, or someother communications network known to those skilled in the art.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the WWW server300 may include many more components than those shown in FIG. 3.However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrativeembodiment for practicing the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, WWWserver 300 is connected to WAN/LAN 200, or other communications network,via network interface unit 310. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that network interface unit 310 includes the necessarycircuitry for connecting WWW server 300 to WAN/LAN 200, and isconstructed for use with various communication protocols including theTCP/IP protocol. Typically, network interface unit 310 is a cardcontained within WWW server 300.

WWW server 300 also includes processing unit 312, video display adapter314, and a mass memory, all connected via bus 322. The mass memorygenerally includes RAM 316, ROM 332, and one or more permanent massstorage devices, such as hard disk drive 328, a tape drive,CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 326, and/or a floppy disk drive. The mass memorystores operating system 320 for controlling the operation of WWW server300. It will be appreciated that this component may comprise a generalpurpose server operating system as is known to those of ordinary skillin the art, such as UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS NT®. Basicinput/output system (“BIOS”) 318 is also provided for controlling thelow-level operation of WWW server 300.

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data for providing a WWWsite. More specifically, the mass memory stores applications includingWWW server application program 330, programs 334, and hot linkapplication 336. Generally, hot link application 336 may generated andsend messages containing hot links to other devices. The hot linkcontains an action that instructs the receiving device to perform someaction upon activation of the hot link (See figures and relateddiscussion below). WWW server application program 330 includes computerexecutable instructions which, when executed by WWW server computer 300,generate WWW browser displays, including performing the logic describedabove. WWW server 300 may include a JAVA virtual machine, an SMTPhandler application for transmitting and receiving email, an HTTPhandler application for receiving and handing HTTP requests, JAVAapplets for transmission to a WWW browser executing on a clientcomputer, and an HTTPS handler application for handling secureconnections. The HTTPS handler application may be used for communicationwith external security applications (not shown), to send and receiveprivate information in a secure fashion.

WWW server 300 also comprises input/output interface 324 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner,or other input devices not shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, WWW server 300 mayfurther comprise additional mass storage facilities such asCD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 326 and hard disk drive 328. Hard disk drive 328 isutilized by WWW server 300 to store, among other things, applicationprograms, databases, and program data used by WWW server applicationprogram 330, and hot link application 336. For example, customerdatabases, product databases, image databases, and relational databasesmay be stored. The operation and implementation of these databases iswell known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary mobile device 400, according to one embodimentof the invention. Mobile device 400 may be arranged to transmit andreceive data. For instance, mobile device 400 may send and receivemessages from other mobile devices and servers as well as receivingbroadcasts. For example, mobile device 400 may receive SMS messagescontaining a hot link. The data transmissions may take place over theInternet, WAN/LAN 200, or some other communications network known tothose skilled in the art.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that mobile device400 may include many more components than those shown in FIG. 4.However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrativeembodiment for practicing the present invention. As shown in the figure,mobile device 400 includes processing unit 412, memory 448, RAM 416, ROM432, operating system 420, application 430, programs 434, data storage436, bios 418, power 426, input/output interface 424, wireless interfaceunit 410, LED 450, tuner(s) 452, audio 454, display 456, keypad 458,infrared input/output 460, and barcode input/output 462.

Mobile device 400 may connect to WAN/LAN 200, or other communicationsnetwork, via wireless interface unit 410. Those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that wireless interface unit 410 includes thenecessary circuitry for connecting mobile device 400 to WAN/LAN 200, andis constructed for use with various communication protocols includingthe TCP/IP protocol. Wireless interface unit 410 may include a radiolayer (not shown) that is arranged to transmit and receive radiofrequency communications. Wireless interface unit 410 connects mobiledevice 400 to external devices, via a communications carrier or serviceprovider.

Mass memory 448 generally includes RAM 416, ROM 432, and one or moredata storage units 436. The mass memory stores operating system 420 forcontrolling the operation of mobile device 400. It will be appreciatedthat this component may comprise a general purpose server operatingsystem as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as aversion of UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS®. Basic input/outputsystem (“BIOS”) 418 is also provided for controlling the low-leveloperation of mobile device 400.

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data used within mobiledevice 400. More specifically, the mass memory stores applicationsincluding opinion application 430, and programs 434. Programs 434 mayinclude computer executable instructions which, when executed by mobiledevice 400, transmit and receive hot links, WWW pages, e-mail, audio,video, and the like. One or more programs 434 may be loaded into memory448 and run under control of operating system 420. Hot link application430 performs the methods described below. Generally, hot linkapplication 430 may generate, send and receive hot links. When hot linkapplication 430 receives a hot link, the action corresponding to the hotlink is associated with a user interface on mobile device 400. The userinterface may be a physical button or a virtual button. When hot linkapplication 430 sends a hot link, a message is formed containing the hotlink and instructions relating to the action associated with the hotlink. Examples of application programs include radio tuner programs,phone programs, communication programs, productivity programs (wordprocessing, spreadsheet, etc.), browser programs, and the like. Mobilecomputing device 400 also includes ROM 432. ROM 432 may be used to storedata that should not be lost when mobile device 400 loses power.

Mobile device 400 also comprises input/output interface 424 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a headset, or other inputor output devices not shown in FIG. 4. Data storage 436 is utilized bymobile device 400 to store, among other things, application programs,databases, and program data used by the mobile device broadcast deliveryapplication. For example, user databases, product databases, imagedatabases, and relational databases may be stored. The operation andimplementation of these databases is well known to those skilled in theart.

Keypad 458 may be any input device arranged to receive inputs from auser. For example, keypad 458 may be a push button numeric dialing, or akeyboard. Display 456 may be a liquid crystal display, or any other typeof display commonly used in mobile devices. Keypad 458 may also includea button that is associated with hot links. Display 456 may also be atouch screen arranged to receive a users inputs. Infrared input/output460 may be used to send and receive infrared commands to/from otherdevices. Barcode input/output 462 may be used in a manner consistentwith barcode readers. For example, barcode input/output 462 may be usedto scan and identify items including a barcode.

Power supply 426 provides power to mobile device 400. According to oneembodiment, a rechargeable battery provides power. The power may be alsobe provided by an external power source, such as an AC adapter or apowered docking cradle that supplements or recharges the battery.

As shown, mobile device 400 includes light emitting diode (LED) display450, tuner(s) 452, and audio interface 454. LED display 450 may becontrolled to remain active for specific periods or events. For example,an LED display may stay on while the phone is powered or may light up invarious patterns. The patterns may be a predetermined or random pattern.Audio interface 454 is arranged to receive and provide audio signals.For example, audio interface 454 may be coupled to a speaker (not shown)to provide audio from a telephone call, tuner(s) 452, or from some otheraudio source. Audio interface 454 may also be coupled to an inputdevice, such as a microphone, to receive audio input. Tuner(s) 452 maybe any tuner to receive a broadcast. For example, tuner(s) 452 may be anAM tuner, an FM tuner, an AM/FM tuner, an Internet radio tuner, atelevision tuner, and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a mobile device forgenerating, sending and receiving hot links, according to one embodimentof the invention. Mobile device 501 appears as a typical cellulartelephone having a display 502 and a set of 12 input keys 503 that forma telephone keypad. Mobile device 501 possesses one or more audiospeakers 504 for generating audio data for users and an audio inputmicrophone 505 for accepting audio input data from users. Devices502-505 may be used when mobile device 501 operates as a telephone aswell as when mobile device 501 receives data such as broadcast data orInternet data for display. One skilled in the art will also recognizethat these devices may be implemented using external headphones andmicrophones.

Mobile device 501 also possesses three additional input buttons: commandbutton 520, positive opinion button 521 and negative opinion button 522.Command button 520 is one type of user interface that may be associatedwith a hot link. When command button 520 is activated, an actioncorresponding to a hot link is performed. Command button 520 may beselected to send a hot link to another device, or perform an actionassociated with a received hot link. Command button 520 may beassociated with any information that instructs mobile device 501 toperform some action.

Positive opinion button 521 and negative opinion button 522 provide asimple mechanism for permitting a user to input positive and negativeopinion about an item. For example, an item may be a current songplaying on the mobile device. The user may depress positive opinionbutton 521 one or more times to provide an indication of his or herpositive opinion of the song. This opinion information may betransmitted to a central database on a web server, along withidentifying information about the item. A user may generate and transmitsimilar information indicating a negative opinion of the item, as wellas the degree of the negative opinion about the item, by using negativeopinion button 522 in the same manner as positive opinion button 521.

A user may set up a preference list that automatically sends a hot linkto a predetermined list of users based on their opinion of an item. Forexample, a user may set up a preference to send a hot link to a group ofusers to tune to a particular radio station, based on their level ofopinion of the song playing on the station. For example, the user mayset up a preference list that automatically sends a hot link containingan action instructing the device to tune to a radio station when thelevel opinion for an item exceeds seven (7) on a scale of one (1) to ten(10). Alternatively, the user may use command button 520 to send a hotlink to another device or group of devices.

The device's display 502 may also provide data associated with a PALLIST of other users of similar mobile devices. The PAL LIST may includeone or more entries for friends of the user. This list is similar to afriends or buddy list that may be part of instant messaging systemsoperating over the Internet. For each member of the PAL LIST, a set ofstatus data for the individual user may be displayed. This status datamay include an indication of the user's location, an indication of thebroadcast station currently being played (if any), and any currentaggregated opinion data. For example, an entry for “Joe” 511 indicatesthat he is watching television station identified as “HBO” and he hascurrently provided four (4) positive opinions for the show he iscurrently viewing. User 512 is the current user of mobile device 501.Currently, user 512 is online and is listening to radio stationidentified as “THE END”and has provided seven (7) positive opinions forthe song currently playing. According to one embodiment of theinvention, user 512 may select command button 520 to send a hot link toanother device. For example, according to the present example, a hotlink may be sent to “Joe” that includes instructions to tune Joe'sdevice to “THE END” when he activates the hot link by selecting a userinterface. As will be appreciated, the hot link may be associated withany action performable by the device receiving the hot link. The actionsperformable vary by the functionality provided by the receiving device.For example, a mobile device will typically have some functionality thatis different than a personal computer.

The PAL LIST mechanism includes a feature in which a particular usermust “opt-in” or affirmatively agree to provide this status data to arequesting user of another mobile device 501 before the web server willshare this data. The members of the PAL LIST may remove any previouslygranted permission to receive status data from a first user to block asecond user from receiving information about the first user. As such, nouser of the mobile devices will have status data shared with otherindividuals without their approval.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may be a selected one of awireless mobile phone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), apalm-sized computing device, a laptop computer, a portable radio, aportable MPx player, and a portable CD/DVD player.

FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of a hot link transfer systemutilizing a server and mobile devices, in accordance with the presentinvention. As shown in the figure, hot link transfer system 600 includespersonal computer 670, mobile device 620, mobile device 630, radiobroadcast 660, TV broadcast 650, and data broadcast 626. Personalcomputer 670 includes display 675 and hot link application 680. Server640 includes hot link application 680. Mobile device 620 includesdisplay 622, command button 624, and hot link application 680. Mobiledevice 630 includes display 632, command button 634, and hot linkapplication 680.

In this implementation, server 640 is a computing device such as the onedescribed above in conjunction with FIG. 3, and mobile devices 620 and630 are mobile computing devices such as the ones described above inconjunction with FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. Hot link application 680 may generatehot links, send hot links, and receive hot links to/from other devices.Server 640 may route hot links to other devices, as well as beprogrammed to automatically generate hot links and send them torequesting devices. For example, server hot link application 680 maygenerate hot links for a user based on their user preferences. Oneparticular example would include when a user desires to have a hot linksent to his device when a certain song is playing. When the song isplaying, server hot link application 680 may send a hot link instructingthe user's device to receive the broadcast of the song when the commandbutton is activated. The server may access a remote data source toidentify the songs that are currently being played. For example,songlist information is typically available from CLEAR CHANNEL. Hot linkapplication 680 may generate a message format using a specified protocolfor each type of device receiving the hot link. For example, hot linkapplication 680 may generate an SMS message containing the hot link fora mobile device, or a hot link containing java script for other devices.

An illustrative example will now be described. As illustrated on display632, the user of mobile device 630 is listening to “THE END.” Accordingto this example, the user of mobile device 630 desires to send a hotlink to the users of mobile device 620 and personal computer 670 thatwill tune their devices to the broadcast identified by “THE END” whenthey select a command button on their device. To transfer the hot link,the user of mobile device 630 may select command button 634, or someother user interface such as a physical or virtual button on mobiledevice 630. In response to the selection of a user interface, mobiledevice's 630 hot link application 680 generates the message containingthe hot link and sends the message to the other devices. Alternatively,hot link application 680 or mobile device 630 may send a message toserver 640 indicating the hot link to generate and the devices toreceive the hot link. When the hot link is sent to mobile device 620 andpersonal computer 670, the user of the device is notified of thereceived hot link. One method of notification is delivering a visualindication to the user on the device's display. According to the presentexample, the message “Listen, to THE END?” is shown on display 622 ofmobile device 620 as well as on display 675 of personal computer 670.The user may also be notified by some other method, including an audionotification, or some other type of visual notification. As will beappreciated, many types of messages may be generated notifying the userof the received hot link. The user of device 620 and personal computer670 may decide whether or not to activate the hot link. If the userdesires to activate the hot link, the user selects the command buttonand the device is tuned to “THE END.”

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary display for selecting the actionassociated with the hot link, according to one embodiment of theinvention. As shown in the figure, hot link action selection system 700,includes display 701, hot link items 710, PALS button 731, SIMILARbutton 732, EVERYONE button 733, and SELECT USER button 734. Hot linkitems 710 include opinion indicators 720, titles 724, and descriptions726.

Hot link items 710 contain a set of actions that may be used to generatea hot link. Display 701 may contain titles 724 identifying the action,as well as descriptions 726 of the action. The title may be thebroadcast name, item, song name, movie, product number, and the like.Display 701 may also provide a visual representation of the number ofusers who have provided positive and negative opinions corresponding tothe action.

Display 701 also shows levels 720 of the user opinions. Levels 720indicate the level of the positive or negative opinion expressed by aparticular user or group of users. The group of users may be the userswithin the PAL list specified by the user, or some other list. Theopinion data may be used in many different ways. For example, theopinion data may be used to help select the action to be associated withthe hot link. For example, when the action item has been given anegative opinion, the user may decide not to select the action toassociate with a hot link. When the opinions are positive for an item,however, the user may select the action to be associated with the hotlink. For example, the user may decide to select an action relating tothe radio station “THE END” since the opinion level is positive.

Display 701 may also provide mechanisms, such as buttons 731-734 toindicate which groups should receive the hot link. For example, PALSbutton 731 may indicate to send the hot link to other users found ontheir PAL LIST. SIMILAR button 732 may be used to send the hot link toonly those people whose opinions are similar to their own. For example,the similar individuals may be generated based on the users previousopinions expressed and compared with other similar users who haveexpressed opinions in the system. Similarly, an EVERYONE button 733 maybe used to send the hot link to all devices. Select user button 734 maybe used to select a particular user in which to send the hot link. Ofcourse, any other groups of users may be generated automatically ormanually. The groups may be generated based on a user's preferences,demographic data, and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram for a hot link system,according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figure,hot link system 800 includes user interface module 802, that interactswith the user of the device through the a set of modules. These modulesinclude hot link interface module 811, audio interface module 812, videointerface module 813, display interface module 814, Internetcommunication module 821, web browser module 822, and telecommunicationsinterface module 823.

Hot link interface module 811 generates, sends and receives hot links.Hot link interface module 811 interacts with the other interface modulesto obtain the information used to generate and perform the actionassociated with the hot link. Hot link Interface module 811 may alsogenerate a data message containing the hot link and generateinstructions that instruct the device to send the hot link to otherdevices.

Audio interface module 812 processes the audio broadcast data receivedfrom all sources, including any broadcast tuners (not shown), webbrowser module 822, telecommunications interface module 823 and anyother sources of audio data. Audio interface module 812 performs anyprocessing necessary to format and decode any audio data so that it maybe output to the user. This module may process audio data in any formatincluding sampled analog data and encoded audio data as well as merelycontrol the output of an analog signal received from the radio tuner.Audio interface module 812 may provide audio data to hot link interface811 used in generation of the hot link. Audio interface module 812 mayalso receive tuning instructions from hot link interface 811 to tune toa particular broadcast.

Video interface module 813 processes video broadcast data received thatis to be displayed as a rendered image on the mobile device's display.Video interface module 813 processes the data to display web pagesrendered from a mark-up language such as HTML, static graphic images inany format, such as GIF, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, and similar representations ofaudio data, and video sequences of images such as streaming video,QUICKTIME movies, MPEG movies and similar representations of video data.Video interface module 813 may provide video data to hot link interface811 used in generation of the hot link associated with video. Videointerface module 813 may also receive tuning instructions from hot linkinterface 811 to tune to a particular broadcast.

Display interface module 814 processes any data that specifies how otherdisplay elements on the mobile device, such as the color, intensity anddisplay characteristics of input buttons on the mobile device. As isdiscussed above, LEDs may be placed on the mobile device and displayvarious patterns. For example, LEDs of various colors may be associatedwith input buttons. As such, display interface module 814 processesreceived data to illuminate various buttons as desired. Displayinterface module 814 may provide visual data to hot link interface 811used in generation of the hot link associated with the display of thedevice. Display interface module 814 may also receive displayinstructions from hot link interface 811 to create a particular displayin response to the performed hot link.

User interface module 802 interacts with the telecommunicationsinterface module 823 to process any telephone call related operations ofthe device. Telecommunications interface module 833 may provide calldata to hot link interface 811 used in generation of the hot linkassociated with telecommunications. Telecommunications interface module833 may also receive calling instructions from hot link interface 811 tocall to a particular telephone number.

User interface module 802 also interacts with web browser module 822 toreceive, process and display Internet-related data. Broadcast relatedmodules interact with user interface module 802 to receive and outputradio related data to a user. Browser module 822 may provide browserdata to hot link interface 811 used in generation of the hot linkassociated with browsing a Web site. Browser module 822 may also receiveinstructions from hot link interface 811 to retrieve or send informationto/from a particular site.

Web browser module 822 communicates with web sites on the Internetthrough Internet communications module 821. Web browser module 822receives the web page data and renders the image corresponding to thedata and web pages that are displayed to the user. Internetcommunication module 821 performs the communications functions necessaryto connect to the Internet as well as send and receive web page datathat may be specified in a web page mark-up language such as HTML, WAP,or similar web page specification languages.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary hot link message format, in accordancewith aspects of the invention. As shown in the figure, hot link messageformat 900 includes header 910, hot link type 915, link assign 920, linkaction 925, and message 930. The hot link message format is exemplaryonly and not intended to be limiting.

Header 910 is used to store routing information for the message. Theheader contains information relating to the location of the device thatwill receive the hot link. For example, the header may indicate thelocation of mobile device 620. According to another example, the headermay indicate the location for the personal computer 670 (See FIG. 6 andrelated discussion).

Hot link type field 915 indicates the type of hot link is containedwithin the message. The hot link may be many different types, including,but not limited to: a broadcast type, a telecommunications type, anetwork type, a message type, a data type, and the like. The broadcasttype indicates that the hot link is associated with a broadcast. Forexample, the hot link tunes the device to a particular broadcaststation. A telecommunications type indicates that the hot link isassociated with the telecommunications portion of the device. Forexample, the hot link is associated with calling a particular telephonenumber. A network type indicates that the hot link is associated withsending or retrieving information over a network, such as the Internet.A message type indicates that the hot link is a message to a device thatrequests a response. For example, the message may be: “Do you like thisstation?” and request an answer from the device. A data type indicatesthat the hot link is associated with sending or receiving data by usingcomponents within the device. For example, the data may be receivedusing an infrared port on the device.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill, in the art in view ofthe present disclosure, any message protocol used by the devices may beused to send and receive the hot link. For example, the short messageservice (SMS) protocol may be used. Generally, SMS is a protocol thatallows short text and data messages to be sent and received overwireless networks. These SMS messages may be sent and received on avariety of cellular networks, including Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM) cellular networks. Generally, there are three typesof SMS messages: GSM character set-encoded messages (effectively 7-bitencoded text), UCS2-encoded messages (Unicode encoded 16-bit text), and8-bit binary-encoded messages. Typically, GSM-encoded messages andUCS2-encoded messages are textual and are displayed to the user by amessaging application as soon as they are received, whereas 8-bitbinary-encoded messages are generally directed at providingdevice-specific information, such as device configuration messages. TheShort Message Service (SMS) is the ability to send and receive textmessages to and from mobile telephones. The text can comprise of wordsor numbers or an alphanumeric combination. A single short message can beup to 160 characters of text in length using default GSM alphabetcoding, 140 characters when Cyrillic character set is used and 70characters when UCS2 international character coding is used. AlthoughSMS messages have a maximum length, the length of the ud element datafield is not limited. The message may be split into pieces and then sentpiece by piece. The device may then concatenate the piecesautomatically.

SMS messages have a “User Data Header” which can contain additionalinformation, such as source and destination port numbers (similar toTCP/IP), concatenation information that is used to support multi-partSMS messages, and the like. The User Data Header allows SMS messages tobe customized.

Special characters or strings may be placed into an SMS messages todenote the message includes a hot link. For example, a messagecontaining the string “!LI!” may indicate that the message contains ahot link and should be processed accordingly. Other informationfollowing the identifier “!LI!” may indicate the actions to perform. Forexample, “!RS****” may be used to indicate that the device should changea tuner to a radio station using the characters supplied in the wildcardpattern *****. Similarly, “!TV****” may indicate an action to tune atelevision to a certain station. “!CALL***-***-****” may indicate tocall the corresponding telephone number. “!DOWNLOAD(LOCATION)” may beused to download a file from a specified location. For example, thelocation may be a web address or some other network address. As will beappreciated, the special characters are not displayed to the user.

The message may also contain information linking the actions with someuser interface (physical or virtual) on the receiving device using linkassign field 920. For example, “!LinkActionToCB” may instruct thereceiving device to link the hot link to a command button.

Link action field 925 contains the instructions used to perform theaction on the device. The instructions may be in any format that isunderstood by the receiving device. For example, the instructions may bedevice specific or a device independent set of instructions that areconverted to the appropriate set of codes within the device to performthe actions.

Message field 930 stores a message provided to the user indicating thenature of the hot link. The message may be a text, sound, video, or amultimedia message. Message field 930 may also include a link to alocation that includes the message. The link may be a pointer to aspecific file, a link to a network address, and the like.

The specific message format may be many different types, and the exampleillustrated here is merely exemplary and not limiting.

FIG. 10 illustrates a process for generating and sending a hot link to adevice, according to one embodiment of the invention. After a startblock, the logic advances to block 1010 where the hot link action isdetermined. The action can be performed by the device receiving the hotlink either automatically or when a user interface is activated. Forexample, the action may be to tune a tuner within the device to aparticular station, download a file, call a telephone number, fax adocument, ask a question from other users, and the like. (See FIG. 11and related discussion). Moving to block 1020, the devices to receivethe hot link are identified. Briefly described, the devices are selectedmanually by the user, or automatically according to a set of preferences(See FIG. 12 and related discussion).

Transitioning to block 1030, the process generates the hot link message.Generally, the hot link message is prepared corresponding to thespecifications of the devices receiving the hot link (See FIG. 13 andrelated discussion). Flowing to block 1040, the hot link message is sentto the identified devices. The hot link message is sent using thedetermined protocol and selected delivery method. The logical flow thenreturns to performing other actions.

FIG. 11 illustrates a set of exemplary actions that may be includedwithin a hot link message, according to one embodiment of the invention.Action routine 1105 is associated with broadcast action 1110, Internetaction 1120, download action 1130, upload action 1140, call action 1150,and other action 1160. The action to include within the hot link may beprovided in many different ways. For example, the action may beautomatically identified based on the current use of the devicegenerating the hot link, or manually selected by the user (See FIG. 7and related discussion). For example, suppose the user desires to send ahot link to a device instructing it to tune to a station playing aparticular song when the user interface is activated. The mobile devicemay determine the identifying information relating to the song as it isplaying on the device.

Broadcast action 1110 may be any action relating to a broadcast. Thebroadcast may be a television broadcast, a radio broadcast, or someother broadcast. The broadcast action indicates to action routine 1105the broadcast location corresponding to the desired broadcast. Forexample, the call letters of the broadcast may be used to identify thebroadcast location. The user may also manually identify the broadcastaction. For example, the user may enter a text description of thebroadcast. The input may include the call letters, the name of the show,and the like. Internet action 1140 is an action related to the Internet.For example, the Internet action may access a particular site on theInternet. Download action 1130 and upload action 1140 instruct thedevice to download or upload data from/to a particular location. Thedata may be on a network or the data may be on another device and beamedto the receiving device, or a cable connection may be used to couple thedevices to transfer the data. Call action 1150 is an action instructingthe device to call a particular number. The call may be a voice or datacall. Other action 1160 instructs the device to perform some otheraction.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process for identifying devices to send the hotlink message, according to one embodiment of the invention. After astart block, the process moves to decision block 1210 that determineswhether the receiving device is a network device. When the device is anetwork device the process moves to block 1220, where the logicdetermines the network type. For example, is the network a wirelessnetwork or a wired network. The network type is used to determine theprotocol and message format used to send the hot link message to thedevice. When the device is not a network device, the process moves toblock 1230 that determines the type of connection used between thedevice sending the hot link message and the device receiving the hotlink message. The connection may be a wireless connection or a wiredconnection. For example, an infrared port may be used to communicatewith another device wirelessly, or an RS-232, USB, FIREWIRE, or someother physical cable connection may be used to connect the devicesphysically. Transitioning to block 1240, a location for the device isdetermined. The location may be a network address, a telephone number, afrequency, or some other information uniquely identifying the locationof the device receiving the hot link message. Moving to block 1250, thetype of device is determined. The type of device relates to informationthat is used to create a set of instructions relating to the action thatare generated for the device. For example, the device may be a certainbrand of cell phone, PDA, personal computer, and the like. A defaultdevice may also be used if the device type may not be determined. Forexample, the default device type may only support a subset of theinstructions for the device but are selected to work across a number ofsupported devices. At block 1260, the device is added to a list ofdevices to which the hot link message is to be sent. The list containsthe information used to create the hot link message. The list maycontain as few as one device. The process then ends.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process for generating a hot link message for adevice, according to one embodiment of the invention. After a startblock, the process moves to block 1310 at which point the processdetermines information relating to the device for which to prepare themessage. The device information may be obtained from the list of devicesassembled according to the process described in FIG. 12. The informationis used to prepare the message according to the specifications of thereceiving devices. For example, the instructions to tune a personalcomputer to a particular broadcast may be different than to tune amobile device to the same broadcast. Flowing to block 1320, the headerof the hot link message is generated. The header contains the addressinformation for the receiving device. For example, the address may be anIP address associated with the receiving device. Moving to block 1330,the hot link type is added to the message. For example, a hot link typecould be a hypertext type, a telephone number type, a broadcast type(e.g. radio or television station call letters), a user's name type, adisplay type, a download type, an upload type, and the like. If specialcharacters or strings are used to indicate the type, then thosecharacters are generated and inserted into the message. As discussedabove, the hot link message may contain many different fields. A specialcharacter or string can be used to denote the presence of a hot linkwithin a message. For example, the string “!LI!” could be placed in themessage to indicate that a hot link is present. Numerical designatorsmay be used as to indicate the type of link. For example, adding thenumber “1” to the string could indicate that a hypertext link is presentin the hot link message. The number “2” could represent the presence ofa radio station frequency, the number “3” could represent the presenceof radio station call letters, and the number “4” could represent thepresence of television station call letters. Thus, the presence of ahypertext link in a message would be disclosed by string “!LI!1”, a linkto radio station by frequency would be string “!LI!2”, a link to a radiostation by call letters would be “!LT!3”, and a link to a television bycall letters would be “!LT!4.” Many other identifying methods may beused to identify the hot link within the message.

At block 1340, the process generates the link assign information. Thelink assign information assigns the hot link to a user interface on thereceiving device. The information may indicate a particular key on thereceiving device, such as a command button, or may be automaticallyassigned to another user interface based on a user's preference or otherfactors. In one embodiment, a user can predetermine a button on a keypad to be used as a user interface. For example, the user may have apreference that sets the “#” button on their device as the userinterface. Transitioning to block 1350, the instructions to perform theaction are generated and included within the message. The generated linkaction instructs the device receiving the link to perform a set ofactions to perform the various action associated with the hot link.Moving to block 1360, a user message may be generated that is presentedto the user, either visual or auditory, to inform the user of thereceiving device that the hot link has been received. The process thenreturns to performing other actions.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A mobile device method, comprising: determining an action to beperformed by a mobile device upon activation of an user interfaceelement of the mobile device; generating a hot link to perform theaction; generating a message containing the hot link and assignmentinformation assigning the hot link to the user interface element of themobile device; and sending the message to the mobile device.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the action includes at least a selected oneof a broadcast action, an Internet action, a download action, an uploadaction, and a call action.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the methodfurther comprises: determining a connection type for sending the messageto the mobile device; and determining a location of the mobile device.4. The method of claim 3, wherein said generating of the message furthercomprises including the location of the mobile device in the message. 5.The method of claim 3, wherein said generating of the message comprisesformatting in accordance with a protocol corresponding to the connectiontype for sending the message to the mobile device.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said generating of a hot link to perform the actioncomprises generating instructions that direct the recipient mobiledevice to tune to a broadcast.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein saidgenerating of a hot link to perform the action comprises generatinginstructions to access an Internet site.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein said generating of a link to perform the action comprisesgenerating instructions that direct the recipient mobile device to calla number.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said generating of a link toperform the action comprises generating instructions that direct therecipient mobile device to download data.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein said generating of a link to perform the action comprisesgenerating instructions that direct the recipient mobile device toupload data.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is amember of a PAL LIST of a user of another mobile device.
 12. In a mobiledevice, a method of operation comprising: receiving a message comprisinga hot link and assignment information assigning the hot link to an userinterface element of the mobile device, the hot link comprisinginstructions to perform an action; extracting the hot link and theassignment information; assigning the hot link to the user interfaceelement in accordance with the extracted assignment information;executing the hot link to perform the action, responsive to a selectionof the assigned user interface element.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the action includes at least a selected one of a broadcastaction, an Internet action, a download action, an upload action, and acall action.
 14. An apparatus comprising: a processor to executeinstructions; and a storage medium coupled to the processor, and havingstored therein instructions that, when executed by the processor, enablethe apparatus to determine a first action to be performed by a mobiledevice upon activation of an user interface element of the mobiledevice; generate a first hot link to perform the first action; generatea first message containing the first hot link, and first assignmentinformation assigning the first hot link to the user interface elementof the mobile device; and send the first message to the mobile device.15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the user interface elementincludes at least one of a keypad, a hot key, a soft key, a touchpad, awheel, a slide button, a push button, a pointing device, a virtualbutton, icon, a symbol, a graphic and an element of a graphical userinterface.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said generating of thefirst hot link comprises generating instructions directing the mobiledevice to tune to a broadcast.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, whereinsaid generating of the first hot link comprises generating instructionsdirecting the mobile device to access an Internet site.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein said generating of the first hot linkcomprises generating instructions directing the mobile device to call anumber.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said generating of thefirst message comprises formatting the message for a protocol in view ofa connection type to be used to send the message to the mobile device.20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the protocol is SMS. 21-26.(canceled)